Not a typical BSOD -- need assistance

[Xarcos]

Hey guys,

I'm currently having a pretty damn frustrating problem. I have a custom built PC that was running (now not running) Windows Vista. Out of the blue, no pun intended, I started getting the BSOD for no apparent reason. I've had two recurring error output messages along the lines of EITHER: 1) IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL with a 0x000000A OR 2) STOP: 0x0000007E with no title and a slew of various characters after the 7E.

Obviously, my first attempted solution was to repair the Vista installation. Not possible. When I put the Vista disc in, 32 or 64-bit, I'll get the BSOD while it's trying to load the setup. Eventually, I popped in Gparted, a partitioning tool, and reformatted the HDD hosting the Vista installation. Many times, my computer won't even recognize the Vista disc. It doesn't make any sense. To make sure my computer wasn't completely dysfunctional, I tried to install Linux Mint, and it was a complete success! That's fantastic and all, but I need to have my Vista installation back on there.

Even after wiping the hard drive completely clean, I get the BSOD while trying to even get to the beginning of a new Vista installation, yet Linux Mint floats on without a problem. I researched the errors a little bit, but it hasn't helped at all.

Does anyone have any ideas? Please? I am at a loss.

[rjfvillarosa]

Linux distros are far less resource hungry than Vista even during installation of the OS, my first plan of action would be to download "the ultimate boot CD, (UBCD)" and carryout memtest and harddrive diagnostics.

[jdeb]

double check memory. Unplug, reseat memory, plug back in. run memtest86+

[Nuclear Krusader]

That error is essentially always a hardware problem. Test all your components.

[glc]

Please list your specs, including brands and models of all the components.